In what already has been a pretty interesting summer in the NHL comes one of the most unexpected and shocking news yet. Ilya Kovalchuk (aka Kovy) officially announced that he will be retiring from the NHL. It wasn’t too long ago New Jersey landed Kovy in a trade for Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier and a first and second round pick in 2010. Only a few short months later, during the summer of 2010, came the Kovy

Ilya Kovalchuk retires from NHL (Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)

re-signing debacle. Not only would the Kovy deal cost the Devils $100 million dollars over the next 15 years, but the NHL voided the original signed proposal from New Jersey ($102 million over 17 years) which cost New Jersey $3 million , a first round pick in one of the next four upcoming drafts (since New Jersey used their picks in 2011, 2012 and 2013, New Jersey won’t have a pick in 2014).

With Kovalchuk’s cap hit the Devils were up against the wall and had to make some serious roster decisions over the last few years. Last season, New Jersey was out-bid by Minnesota on Zach Parise, leading to the loss of their captain. Last week, the Devils were out-bid by Toronto on David Clarkson. So now Kovy and his massive contract have cost the Devils Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Comier, Zach Parise, David Clarkson, two first round draft picks and a second round pick.

Only three years into his massively costly contract, Kovy decided that he missed the motherland and wanted to go home. He says that playing half the season in the KHL got Kovy wishing he was back home with friends and family. Well that’s all fine and good Mr. Kovalchuk, but you have a 12 year $77 million dollar obligation to the New Jersey Devils. While you are opening up the cap space for them, but don’t you think it is a little late? They paid an awfully big price for you.

Jeremy Roenick took to Twitter after the news broke. Below are his Tweets on the situation. His tweets sum up exactly how I feel about the situation.

Hey Ilya hope u live comfortably in Russia w the money u made from the 23 million u stole from the devils Again I’m right in my analysis

So now what? The New Jersey Devils are without most of the offensive talent from their cup run just two short years ago, no blue chip offensive prospects, and don’t have a first round pick in 2014. They have the open cap space (only a 250K cap hit penalty for the next ten years), but no big free agents are left in play. This could be an ugly year for the New Jersey Devils. Guess they will be looking for Connor McDavid in 2015. Good luck the next two years Jersey fans. I feel your pain!